Are we geared for the upcoming challenges by nCoV-19 or is it still grim news…?

The novel Corona Virus (nCoV-2019), clouded the entire world during the year 2020; with its emergence in December 2019 from Wuhan, China. The nCoV-19 is a novel variant of the Coronavirus family, with its predecessors been implicated for the pandemics of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV); that caused flu-like condition and respiratory distress symptoms [1-6]. The viral strain also intrudes on extra-pulmonary relevance; being involved with deranging immunity as evidenced by lymphopenia and a prolonged prothrombin time; it impacts cardiomyocytes and pancreatic tissue directly [7-11]. These implications of nCoV-19 does suggest a long-term relevance of the disease profile. The emergenceof nCoV-2019 was quick to gain a pandemic status worldwide. An immense shift in the influx of the type of patients was observed, that imparted a false impression of a reduction in cardiovascular and metabolic patient presentation; formerly that had been the majority engaging the worlds’ healthcare facility. But as the world prepares itself for a possible second wave of the n-CoV-19, a prudent approach would be to remind us of the history lessons from the previous corona-led pandemic, such as MERS and SARS. This editorial will emphasize on channeling our focus to nCoV-19 implications on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The pandemics of SARS-CoV during 2002-2003 and MERS-CoV in 2012 highlight the long term relevance of coronavirus to cardiac and metabolic disease pathologies, both during and in the aftermath of these pandemics [3]. The SARS-CoV had demonstrated an increase of cardiovascular problems by 44%, hyperlipidemia by 68% and diabetes mellitus by 60%, in people who had recovered from the viral attack [12, 13]. Likewise, MERS-CoV had also embarked an increase of cardiac disorders by 30% and hypertension by 50% and diabetes mellitus by 50% [3, 8, 9]. Published research on nCoV-19 has hinted for a similar rising trend of cardiovascular and metabolic complexities. An increase in cardiac troponin level is observed with increased cases of myocarditis and heart failure [14]. A 20% increase in the incidence of diabetes and a 40 % rise in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is observed with nCoV-19 [8, 9]. Little do we comprehend that the involvement of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors could play havoc on endothelium, kidney, intestine, liver and any other organ [15]. The nCoV-19 has thrown a curveball to the realm of the worldwide health and financial setting. Even with the current economic predicament it does seems prudent to be prepared in advance for the long term consequences of this pandemic. The bigger question would be to, not just direct our efforts at countering the possible second wave of nCoV-19 but also for the possible chaos of cardiovascular and metabolic disease outfall, impacting the world health system.

Development of Therapeutic Foods With Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni: Exploring its Use to Determine Anti-Diabetic and Hypolipidemic Potential

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is considered as natural and non-toxic sucrose alternative that has ability to manage obesity and its associated diseases. Moreover, it is safe for human health and does not produce side effects. For the purpose, stevia leaves powder was characterized and stevioside (major glycoside in stevia due to which its taste is sweet) were extracted through different solvents (methanol, ethanol and water), purified and quantified by HPLC. Stevia extracts were also analyzed for physicochemical parameters.Regarding chemical composition, stevia leaves powder is rich source of both macronutrients and micronutrients. Ethanolic extract of stevia had high amount of antioxidants and stevioside as compared to methanolic and aqueous extracts of stevia. pH of ethanolic extract was less while total soluble sugars and total sugars were more than other extracts of stevia. In the product development phase, stevia leaves powder was utilized in the preparation of muffins and pure stevioside from aqueous stevia extract was incorporated in peach ready-to-serve beverages as sugar substitute. Both stevia muffins and stevioside from aqueous stevia extract containing RTS peach beverages were analyzed for phytochemical, physical and sensory analyses. The well-designed drinks were also subjected to all these analysis during two months storage period. Stevia improved the nutritional and antioxidant profile of both products. The physical and organoleptic evaluation parameters were affected significantly in muffins and beverages except pH and acidity. The antioxidant and physicochemical properties of stevioside containing RTS peach drinks were substantially affected and organoleptic evaluation parameters remained acceptable during storage. Animal studies were performed by varying the diets to investigate the anti-diabetic and hyperlipidemic potential of stevioside. In study I diabetes was induced in rats and then stevia aqueous extract was given to them and their anti-diabetic effect was compared with normal and diabetic control. In study II hypolipidemic potential of stevia aqueous extract was determined and compared with normal and hyperlipidemic controls. Stevia aqueous extract caused in momentous drop in body weights in both diabetic and hyperlipidemic rats. In the diabetic rats stevia significantly decreased the random, fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c and elevated the insulin and glycogen contents. The total cholesterol, total triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins levels and LDL/HDL ratio significantly decreased and high density lipoprotein level improved in hyperlipidemic rats taken stevia aquatic extract. ALT, AST and ALP significantly decreased and total weights ratios of body organs remained unaffected in both studies. Fromtheexistingexploration,itisassumedthat stevia aquatic extract is activein contradiction ofobesity,diabetes and hyperlipidemia.